Emilie Meyer
Air fryers are a great way to cook diced potatoes, yielding a crispy exterior and a fluffy interior in just 15 to 25 minutes. The cooking time depends on the size of the potato cubes and the air fryer model. You can use any type of potato, although waxier varieties like red or purple potatoes are best avoided. Before air frying, the potatoes should be soaked in water to remove excess starch, which can make them sticky and inhibit crispness. They should then be dried, seasoned, and tossed in oil before being placed in the air fryer in a single layer.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cook time | 15-30 minutes |
| Potato types | White, yellow, russet, sweet, Yukon gold |
| Potato preparation | Soak in water, pat dry, coat in oil, season |
| Seasoning | Salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, rosemary, lemon juice, thyme, parsley, oregano, chilli powder, cayenne pepper, Italian seasoning |
| Air fryer temperature | 375-400°F |
| Air fryer type | Basket or tray |
| Potato arrangement | Single layer |
| Potato size | 1/2-3/4 inch cubes |
| Potato quantity | 2-4 cups |
| Serving suggestions | Ketchup, vegan ranch, spicy sriracha sauce, Greek yogurt dill dip, tomato ketchup, mayonnaise |
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What You'll Learn
Soaking diced potatoes
Once the potatoes have soaked, rinse them thoroughly in running cold water to ensure all excess starch is removed. It is important to then pat the potatoes dry with a clean tea towel or paper towel. This step is crucial as it ensures the potatoes won't steam in the air fryer and promotes even browning.
After soaking, the potatoes are ready for seasoning and cooking. It is recommended to preheat the air fryer to around 200°C/400°F or as per the specific air fryer instructions. The potatoes can then be tossed in olive oil or vegetable oil, and seasoned with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, oregano, or any other desired herbs and spices.
Place the seasoned potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded so that the hot air can circulate properly. Depending on the air fryer model, cook the potatoes for about 20-25 minutes at 195°C/380°F, shaking the basket several times during cooking to ensure even cooking and browning. The potatoes are done when they are golden brown and crispy on the outside, and fork-tender in the centre.
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Seasoning and spices
Diced potatoes cooked in an air fryer are a versatile side dish that can be served with a variety of meals. The cooking time is significantly shorter than that of an oven, and the air fryer also reduces the amount of oil required.
When it comes to seasoning and spices, potatoes are quite bland and therefore benefit from a generous amount of seasoning. The beauty of this recipe is that you can experiment with different seasonings to suit your taste. For example, if you prefer spicy food, you can add more chilli powder or cayenne pepper.
A simple blend of salt and pepper is a classic option, but you can also add dried herbs like parsley, thyme, oregano, rosemary, or Italian seasoning. For extra flavour, you can add garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or cayenne pepper. If you're feeling adventurous, you can try more exotic blends such as Cajun, Mexican, or Greek.
To ensure your potatoes are evenly coated with seasoning, toss them in a mixing bowl with olive oil or avocado oil before adding your chosen spices and lemon juice. You can also add Parmesan cheese, but this is best added towards the end of the cooking process.
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Cooking time and temperature
The cooking time and temperature for diced potatoes in an air fryer depend on the type of potato, the size of the dice, and the air fryer model.
It is recommended to preheat the air fryer for 2-3 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. The cooking time can vary from 15 to 25 minutes, depending on the model of the air fryer and the size of the dice. For example, compact air fryers may take longer because the potatoes are piled on top of each other, while tray air fryers may take less time as the potatoes are usually in a single layer. It is important to ensure that the potatoes are not overlapping in the air fryer basket to achieve maximum crispiness.
The temperature for cooking diced potatoes can range from 375 to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. For example, one source recommends cooking diced potatoes at 380 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 to 25 minutes, turning them halfway through the cooking time. Another source suggests cooking at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 17 to 23 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. A third source recommends cooking at 195 degrees Celsius or 380 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 to 25 minutes, again shaking the basket several times during cooking.
It is worth noting that the cooking time and temperature may need to be adjusted based on the type of potato and the desired level of crispiness. For example, red or purple-skinned potatoes may require a higher temperature or longer cooking time as they are starchier and waxier. Additionally, soaking the potatoes in cold water before cooking can help remove excess starch and promote crispiness, but this step is not mandatory.
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Oil and moisture
Oil is an important component of cooking potatoes in an air fryer. It helps the potatoes to brown and soften as they cook, and also ensures that the seasonings stick to the potatoes. The circulating air in the air fryer crisps the outsides of the potatoes, creating an impeccable golden crust, while the insides become soft and tender.
A light coating of oil is sufficient, and the type of oil used is versatile. Extra virgin olive oil is recommended by some sources to help the potatoes crisp up and brown nicely. However, other oils can also be used according to preference and availability. For instance, avocado oil, vegetable oil, or peanut oil are possible alternatives.
The amount of oil used can be minimal when cooking with an air fryer, making it a healthier alternative to deep frying. The air fryer's ability to cook with less oil also contributes to the overall crispiness of the potatoes. The high, dry heat of the air fryer, combined with the light coating of oil, results in potatoes that are crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside.
Moisture plays a crucial role in achieving the desired crispiness of the potatoes. To ensure even cooking and a crispy texture, it is recommended to soak the diced potatoes in cold water before cooking to remove excess starch. The potatoes should then be thoroughly dried with paper towels or a clean tea towel to prevent steaming in the air fryer. This step is important because too much moisture on the surface of the potatoes can inhibit the formation of the desired golden brown crispy texture.
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Serving suggestions
Air fryer diced potatoes are a versatile side dish that can be served with a variety of meals. Here are some serving suggestions:
Breakfast
Air fryer diced potatoes are a great breakfast option. They can be served alongside eggs, such as soft-boiled, poached, or fried eggs, and crispy bacon or turkey bacon. For a vegetarian option, pair them with a tofu scramble. You can also add diced onions and bell peppers to the potatoes to make home fries, perfect for breakfast alongside eggs and bacon.
Lunch
These crispy potatoes are a tasty addition to sandwiches for lunch. They can also be served with a vegan tofu or tempeh dish, like vegan sloppy joes.
Dinner
Air fryer diced potatoes are a quick and easy side dish for dinner. They pair well with grilled chicken, steak, salmon, or other proteins. They can also be served with vegetables, such as crispy smashed broccoli with Parmesan, or in a potato bowl with veggies. For a vegetarian option, try them with air-fried soy-garlic chicken breast.
Snacks and Appetizers
These potatoes can be enjoyed as a snack or appetizer, dipped in ketchup, vegan ranch, spicy sriracha sauce, or a creamy Greek yogurt dill dip.
Customization
The beauty of air fryer diced potatoes is that they can be customized with various seasonings and spices to suit your taste. You can experiment with different combinations, such as Greek potatoes with lemon juice, oregano, and feta cheese, or spicy Cajun potatoes. You can also add cheese, like cheddar or Parmesan, and even bacon bits for an indulgent treat.
Storage and Reheating
Leftover potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. To reheat, use the air fryer to maintain their crispiness. Reheat at 350°F for 3-5 minutes, or at 400°F for 3-5 minutes if you prefer them extra crispy.
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Frequently asked questions
Cooking diced potatoes in an air fryer takes around 15-25 minutes at 375-400 °F.
White, yellow, or sweet potatoes are all good options. Avoid red or purple-skinned potatoes as they are starchier and waxier.
First, wash and dice the potatoes into evenly-sized cubes. Next, soak the potatoes in cold water for 10 minutes to remove excess starch, then pat them dry. After that, add the potatoes to a mixing bowl and toss them with olive oil, seasonings, and lemon juice. Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook for 15-25 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
